ANAHEIM, Calif., EDUCAUSE 2016 – October 26, 2016 – Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) announced today a new educational platform that integrates Cisco WebEx and Spark into existing Learning Management Systems (LMSs). These integrations allow faculty to schedule online classes more simply and securely from within their LMSs. The integrations also include video and collaboration features that enhance the education experience for students who may be on campus or online. 

“Cisco is committed to helping colleges and universities improve the student experience by giving learners more ways to connect, engage, learn and succeed,” said Renee Patton, director of education for U.S. Public Sector at Cisco. “With support from our partner ecosystem, universities like Georgia State, Utah State and Mercer are already realizing the value of this Digital Education Platform.”

The new Digital Education Platform is based on Cisco’s highly secure core network. This helps to keep student and faculty coursework safe and secure. The platform also includes unified voice, video and wireless communications, which enhance Digital Learning and the Digital Campus.   

Cisco Gold Developer Partner CirQlive is offering this integration to universities through the school’s existing LMS. Once installed, institutions can schedule traditional or online courses directly from LMSs such as Canvas, Moodle, Brightspace, Blackboard and more.

“CirQlive partners with best-of-breed companies, like Cisco, who understand the entire education ecosystem. By working together, Cisco and CirQlive scale the use of technology, and as a result, improve teaching and learning at universities worldwide,” said Dov Friedman, vice president of business development, CirQlive. “Together CirQlive and Cisco bring enterprise-level technology to education, making online learning more functional and accessible.”

Some new benefits for faculty and staff include managing attendance records, downloading, viewing and streaming recordings as well as other cloud-based functionality. The Digital Education Platform also supports recruitment and retention. For students, this platform provides new access to courses and coursework as well as a way to communicate about assignments from within the LMS.

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